The best, most valuable and comprehensive workouts are those that are total-body in nature. Gone are the days of “body part training,” i.e., train back and chest on Mondays, arms and legs on Tuesdays, etc.. We don’t move through life in “body part” movements. We move in “total body” movements. That’s one of many reasons why focusing on the complete body has much more real-world value that focusing on isolated muscle groups (plus, it’s a whole lot more enjoyable when you’re in total body movement then when you’re standing in front of the mirror, doing the robot).

Kickboxing is a total body workout, that’s part of its initial appeal and value. Every properly thrown punch originates from the ground, the foot, and travels upward through the body like a wave until the fist strikes the bag. Every kick involves rotational movement, core movement, pivoting, balance, impact, recoiling and returning to the ground.

Every single movement when properly executed involves the whole body!

Why does this matter?

• You can assure yourself of getting a complete, comprehensive, full-body workout every time you take a kickboxing class.
• Its high-intensity calorie burning properties come with an amazing cardiorespiratory conditioning benefit.
• Proper mechanics in the execution of punches and kicks involve most of the major muscles of the body, and many stabilizing ones, as well.
• The gloves on your hands add additional weight for an enhanced upper body workout, and the heavy bag provides resistance for muscle strengthening and “toning” (shoulders and arms, especially).
• The footwork and balance during kicks enhances lower body conditioning (glutes, hips and quads, especially).

Plain English: You burn a ton of calories, get a great cardio workout, and tone and strengthen all at the same time.

Plus, it’s just plain fun. Don’t overlook this point. Sometimes, at the end of the day, it’s just nice to be able to knock the stuffing out of something. It’s therapeutic, a stress-reliever, and you’re actually learning a skill, instead of just lifting something up and down which has all the appeal of pushing a rock up a hill!

Newcomers should research classes in the area to find out which feels right. Not which one looks right, which one feels right. This means you need to try it out. If you’re just into it for the exercise value, stay away from the combat oriented training centers. But don’t overthink it; you don’t need preparation, you just need a willingness to try something outside the scope of what you normally do, and a willingness to WORK HARD, because it may be the toughest, most enjoyable, most beneficial workout you ever do.

About the Author: Jonathan Aluzas is the owner of Arena Fitness read more →